How to Tape and Mud Sheetrock and Drywall

Tape and mud sheetrock in layers over several days.

After sheetrock is fastened to the wall studs or ceiling joists, the seams between pieces are taped and covered with drywall compound, often called mud. Mud also fills screw holes. After two to three coats of mud, the seams and screw holes are ready for finish sanding or the addition of a texture coat. Expect to put two or three coats on each seam, outside corner and the inside corners between two walls or the ceiling and wall.

Seams

1

Load the 6-inch knife evenly across its entire width with drywall compound. Hold the knife centered on a seam and smoothly spread the compound along the entire length of the seam.

2

Apply drywall tape to the beginning of a seam and work towards the end. The tape must straddle the seam. Press the tape into the mud along the length of the seam as you work toward opposite end of the seam. Tear or cut the tape off at the end of the seam. Ensure the tape is fully embedded along the entire width.

3

Load the 6-inch knife with more compound and apply it over the top of the tape. Smooth the compound evenly with the 6-inch knife, then make a second pass with the 8-inch knife to remove excess compound, but leave the tape fully embedded in the compound -- don't remove too much. Feather the mud to a very thin edge on both sides of the seam.

4

Press a small amount of compound into each exposed screw hole with the knife, then scrape off the excess with the knife edge. Repeat after the compound has hardened overnight.

5

Allow the taping coat 24 hours to cure and harden. Scrape off any ridges or bumps with the sharp edge of the 8- or 10-inch knife. Apply a second coat of compound over the first with the 8-inch knife, then a third and final coat with the 10-inch knife after the second coat hardens. Feather each coat of mud to a thin edge.

Inside Corners

1

Load the 6-inch knife with drywall compound and apply the mud along one side of the corner. Reload the knife and apply the mud to the other side of the corner.

2

Cut a piece of tape that will reach from one end of the corner to the other. Fold the tape in half along the crease that runs down the middle and press it together, then open it up again. Press the tape into the drywall compound along the corner with your fingers until it is firmly embedded along the entire length.

3

Complete the taping coat of mud on both sides of the corner and feather the coat on each side to a thin edge. Allow the taping coat to harden overnight, then scrape away any bumps or ridges with a taping knife.

4

Apply a coat of compound to one side of the corner with the 8-inch knife and allow it to harden overnight. Coat the other side of the corner after the first side hardens. Repeat with the 10-inch knife.

Outside Corners

1

Load the 8-inch taping knife with compound and place one side of the knife edge on the drywall corner bead and the other edge on the drywall. Smooth the compound onto the corner bead, then repeat for the other side. Let the compound harden overnight.

2

Remove any ridges or bumps from the hardened compound with the sharp edge of a taping knife. Add a second coat of compound to both sides of the corner bead using the 10-inch knife. Feather the edges of the compound to a thin edge.

3

Lightly sand the corner of the corner bead with the drywall screen to remove any ridges or bumps. If necessary, add a third and final coat of drywall compound to the corner.

Things You Will Need

Premixed drywall compound

6-inch-wide taping knife

Paper drywall tape

8-inch-wide taping knife

10-inch-wide taping knife

Drywall sanding screen

Drywall sanding tool

Tips

Sand all the seams and screw holes to smooth finish. Close your eyes and run your fingertips over the compound. If you can feel bumps, ridges or tell where the compound ends, sand it again until it is smooth.

If you have difficulty feathering the compound to a thin edge, wait for it to harden overnight and sand the edges with the sanding screen.

Keep the area free of small, hardened particles of compound or little chunks of drywall. If you get them in your fresh compound, you'll have difficulty making subsequent layers smooth.

Warnings

Wear safety glasses when spreading compound. A hat with a short visor is advisable when working on ceilings.

Protect floors and furniture with drop cloths. Clean up after each phase, including when you remove ridges or sand compound.

About the Author

Michael Logan is a writer, editor and web page designer. His professional background includes electrical, computer and test engineering, real estate investment, network engineering and management, programming and remodeling company owner. Logan has been writing professionally since he was first published in "Test & Measurement World" in 1989.